Shelf and supports therefor



Aug. 9, 1960 L. L. SMITH 2,948,405

SHELF AND SUPPORTS THEREFOR Filed Dec. 5 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VENTOR.

Lesier LSnzi-fk Aug. 9, 1960 L. L. SMITH i 7 2,948,405 r SHELF AND SUPPORTS mamma- Filed Dec. 5. 1956 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTQR.

SHELF AND SUPPORTS THEREFOR Lester L. Smith, 3300 N. Adams St., Peoria, n1.

Filed Dec. 5, 1956, Ser. No. 626,475

6 Claims. 01. 211-90 This invention relates to a shelf and supports therefor, and more particularly to the structure of adjustable metal shelves and parts by which the shelves can be quickly andeasilyinstalled to be supported in any one of various ways from building walls and the like.

High labor costs associated with building trades have brought about both the desires of people to do all possible improvement and repair work themselves and the desire of contractors and builders to reduce initial building costs, when possible, by the use of production assemblies which are suitable and easily installed. a

One of the objects of this invention is to provide shelves and accessory supporting parts which are adaptable by selection and adjustment to quick and easy installation in various ways and to suit and fit different environments.

Another object of my invention is to provide a shelf and supports having parts constructed and arranged for quick assembly with the aid of only the very simple tools and operations, and which, after installation, are rugged, durable and present a good appearance.

My invention has for another object the provision of shelves of predetermined width and having selective lengths within defined limits, as well as parts adapted to support the shelves from walls and the like at any of three sides, and which shelves and parts are fabricated from sheet metal.

As another object, my invention has within its purview the provision of fabricated metal shelves and supporting parts which are adapted to use as individual shelving units or to being combined to extend the area in either length or depth. y

It is another object of this invention to provide shelves fabricated from sheet metal and having telescoping parts embodying construction which aifords both longitudinal and lateral rigidity.

Another object of the invention is to provide a shelf structure embodying supports which accommodate and hold a hanger pole.

As a further object, my invention comprehends a shelf structure embodying telescoping shelf and hanger pole parts carried by the same end supporting members, and wherein a mid-support is insertable when desired, so that the hanger pole serves to provide support for the mid-portion of the shelf span.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a shelf embodying structure adapted to use in a preferred form of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary end sectional view taken substantially at the position indicated by line 22 and accompanying arrows in Fig. 1; 7 I

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary front sectional viewtaken substantially at a position indicated by a line 3 -3 and accompanying arrows in Fig. '1;

Fatented' Aug, 9, '1960 Fig. 4 is a fragmentary end sectional view of a part of the shelf structure shown in Fig. 1 and is taken substantially as indicated by a line 4-4 and accompanying arrows in Fig. 5;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the part of the shelf structure shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a portion of one of the parts of the shelf structure shown in Fig. 1 and has a portion broken away to show structural' detail;

Fig. 7 is an end sectional view of a shelf of the type illustrated in Fig. 1 and wherein a preferred type of brace is utilized with the shelf;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially as indicated by a line 8-8 and accompanying arrows in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a shelf structure of the general type depicted in Fig. 1, but wherein end supports of a modified type are utilized and wherein the hanger pole has been eliminated;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a shelf structure embodying a shelf of the type illustrated in Figs. 21 and 9, but wherein modified types of end supports are utilized;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of two shelves of the type depicted in Fig. 10 mounted in end-to-end relationship.

In the exemplary embodiment of my invention which is herein disclosed for illustrative purposes, I have utilized a shelf 20 having telescopically engaged end parts 22 and 23 which, by' virtue of their telescopic engagemeng; are extendable and contractable within predetermined. limits to fit within prescribed spaces, such as between the: end walls of a closet. For supporting the disclosedii shelves, I have provided end supports 24 and 25 secur-- able to supporting structures, such as closet end walls, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 9. Also, I have provided endi supports 26 and 27 of a bracket type, securable to a; building structure, such as a back wall, as shown in Figs.. 10 and 11. With both types of shelf supports, I have provided for the support of a hanger pole 28 by the end supports at a position spaced below the shelf and extending longitudinally of the shelf in substantially parallel relationship thereto.

In instances, as where the shelf span is long and wherein added rigidity and strength are required, an auxiliary shelf supporting bracket 29 may be utilized at the longi tudinal mid-portion of the shelf, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. In instances in which two shelves are mounted in end-to-end relationship, a single support 30 may be utilized to support the adjacent ends of the two shelves, as shown in Fig. 11.

Although the shelves 20 are preferably made in predetermined standard widths which widths are generally less than the spacing between studs in a building structure, end supports of the type illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 9 are made longer than the standard shelf width, so that they extend beyond the shelf and cover a wall span which is at least as great as the largest stud separa tions encountered in usual building practices. Each such end support, such as 24 and 25 has a row or series of apertures 34 at spaced positions longitudinally of the support and separated to align with the centers of studs of various spacings in wall structures. The apertures are of a size adapted to receive either nails or screws which extend into thewall studs to afford secure anchorage for theend supports. 7

Considering the shelf structure in greater detail, the

end parts 2 2 and 23 each have interfitting and integral 36 have integral inwardly extending portions 37 thereon, and thbse'inwardly extending portions are foldetL I upwardly to provide inner flanges 39 and 40. The flanges 35, 37 and 39 along one side of the part 22 and the flanges 36, 38 and it? along the other side of the part 22 define channels which open upwardly toward the bottom interior surface of the shelf, and the interior side or flange portions 59 and id of which channels are shorter than the flanges 35 and 36 to provide opposed spaces 42 and 43 facing inwardly of the shelf structure.

In like manner, flanges 44 and 45 extend downwardly from opposite sides of the end part 23 and have opposed inwardly projecting flange portions 46 and 47 thereon which adjoin upwardly projecting flange portions 48 and 49 to define channels along the opposite margins of the end part 23. The widths of the shelf parts 22 and 23 and the dimensions of the flange portions which provide channels along the opposite margins thereof are preselected so that the shelf part 23 fits slidably into the shelf part 22 with the flange portions of the part 23 fitting slidably into the channels formed by the flange portions of the shelf part 22.

At their outer ends the shelf parts 22 and 23 have downwardly projecting flanges t and 52 thereon which flanges extend laterally of the end surfaces of the shelf parts and extend between the longitudinal channels. At its inner end, the inner shelf part 23 of the telescoping parts has a flange 5'3 thereon, which latter flange extends laterally of the shelf parts and downwardly to alford lateral rigidity thereto. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the flange 53 extends through the opposed spaces 42 and 43 and into the space above the longitudinal channels.

Referring to the end supports of the type shown in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, a substantially flat plate has integral lugs 54 punched therefrom in aligned and longitudinally spaced relationship along the top marginal portion. The lugs 54 are adjoined to the plate only at their lower ends and through connecting portions 55; the upper portion of the lugs being offset from the plane of the plate, and preferably being bent to flare outwardly at the top portions 56. In mounting the shelves, the end supports 24 and 25 are secured to a supporting structure in opposed relationship to one another. Then, the telescopically engaged shelf parts 22 and 23 are adjusted to a length to extend between the opposed end supports, and the flanges 5'2. at the opposite outer ends of the shelf are engaged between the end support plates and their respective lugs :74. At each end, each shelf part engages a plurality of the spaced lugs to support the shelf.

At a position spaced below the shelf, and in opposed relationship on the end supports, lugs 57, 58 and 59 are punched from the end plate, so as to be ofliset inwardly from the plane of the plate for receiving and supporting a flanged end portion 66 at each end of the hanger pole 28. The lugs 57 and 58 are in opposed relationship to one another and are spaced to receive the hanger pole therebetween. The lug 59 is spaced below the lugs 57 and 58 and is substantially midway between the ends of the lugs 57 and 58 to serve as a bottom support for an end of the hanger pole. As in the instance of the shelf parts 22 and 23, the hanger pole 28 has telescopically engaging parts 62 and 63 which fit together for longitudinally sliding movement whereby the hanger pole is extensible to conform to the adjustable length of the shelf.

When a shelf span is relatively long, and when the shelf may be subjected to heavy loads in use, transverse support at the longitudinal mid-portion of the shelf may be desirable. To provide such support, I have utilized a channel strip 64 of channel section which extends across the lower surface of the shelf and into the spaces 42 and 43 above the channels defined by the longitudinal flanges on the shelf parts. At the opposite ends, the side portions of the channel 64' are folded over one another and the end portions thereof are bent downwardly to form end flanges 65 and 6d at opposite ends of the channel strip as shown in Fig. 7. The flanges 65 and 66 extend into the channels along the opposite sides of the 4 shelf and engage the flanges 43 and 49 to aid in holding the shelf in position. At the side of the shelf adjacent a supporting structure such as a wall 67, a bracket 68 has one end secured to the channel strip 64 and its other end secured to the supporting structure. The mid-portion of the bracket 68 is shaped to extend around the adjacent channel on the shelf and provide a support against which the channel rests, as well as a wall anchor. At the other end of the channel strip 64, a brace 69 is secured thereto, which brace extends downwardly in acute angular relationship to the channel strip. The other end of the brace 69 is secured to the supporting structure.

To provide additional support for the shelf, and stabilize the midsportion of the hanger pole 28 a support member 70 is provided. At its upper end, the support member 74) is secured to the channel strip 64 adjacent the end of the brace 69'. At its lower end, the support member 70 has a substantially C-shaped hook portion 72' which releasably engages and partially encompasses the hanger pole; the top part of the hook portion extending inwardly beyond the center line to compensate for possible misalignment.

When the shelf is supported from a supporting structure, such as a wall, from which it projects laterally of the shelf, end supporting brackets 26 and 27 are utilized, as illustrated in Fig. 10. The bracket type end supports 26 and 27 are somewhat triangular in configuration. Each is composed of two plates such as 73 secured together, as by spot Welding, in face-to-face relationship with integral oppositely projecting mounting flanges such as 75 at their rear ends, which flanges have apertures such as 77 therein for receiving fastening means by which the end support is secured to the supporting structure. The plates have top edges which project outwardly from the mounting flanges in substantially right angular relationship. The top marginal portions of the two plates are separated to provide a slot for receiving one of the flanges 52 at the outer end of the shelf.

For supporting adjacent ends of two longitudinally aligned shelves the bracket type end support 30- is utilized. This support is quite similar to the supports 26 and 27 in general structure, having plates secured together in face-to-face relationship and provided with oppositely projecting flanges at their rear ends. At the tops, marginal portions of the plates are oppositely offset from one another to provide a slot 89 for receiving the end flanges 52 of two shelves.

As in the instance of the end supports 24 and 25, the supports 26, 27 and 3t) maybe provided with means for supporting the opposite ends of a hanger pole, as shown in Fig. 10.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection With the illustrations of the drawings, it may be readily understood that -I have provided a shelf structure wherein a shelf of predetermined width embodies telescopically engaging end parts, so that it is adjustable Within predetermined limits of length to fit into building structures in places having a size within the limits of variation of the shelf length. The disclosed shelf structure embodies accessory parts which are mountable on Walls having different relative positions with respect to the supported shelf, and the shelf, when desired, may have associated therewith a hanger pole which is carried by the same supports and, in some instances, may be utilized to provide addi tional rigidity and stability to the shelf. In each instance, the shelf is adapted to be quickly and easily mounted relative to a wall structure with the fastening elements securely anchored in the wall studs, regardless of the spacing of the studs, within reasonable limits followed in ordinary building practices. Furthermore, the shelves herein illustrated are adapted to mounting in adjacent relationship, such as in end-to-end relationship, to provide a long con- 'tinuous shelf.

While I have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and I do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail myself of all changes within the scope of the appended claims. Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A shelf for mounting on a supporting structure and comprising, in combination, an extensible shelf element fabricated from sheet metal and including telescopically engaging end parts of substantially a predetermined Width,

said parts each having longitudinally extending flanged marginal portions of like structure formed along opposite edges thereof with the marginal portions shaped to provide integral channels opening toward the inner bottom surface of the part and each having an inner flange extending toward and spaced from the said inner bottom surface of the part, said channels on one of the parts being of a size to fit snugly and slidably into the channels of the other part, said parts each having flange means at the outer ends, said one of the parts also having an integral flange projecting downwardly at the inner end thereof and extending across said inner end and into the spaces between said channels and said bottom surface of the outer one of said telescopically engaging parts to provide lateral rigidity to the assembled parts, end supports for the shelf having means thereon for releasably receiving and holding said flange means at the outer ends of the parts, an auxiliary transverse support extending across theinner bottom surface of one of said parts and having a surface engaging said inner bottom surface, said transverse support having end portions thereon which project angularly therefrom and extend into embracing engagement with the inner surfaces of said inner flanges of said channels, a hanger pole extending between and supported by said end supports, and a support member connected to and extending between the hanger pole and the transverse support.

2. A shelf for mounting on a supporting structure and comprising, in combination, an extensible shelf element fabricated from sheet metal and including telescopically engaging end parts of substantially predetermined width, said parts each having longitudinally extending flanged marginal portions of like structure formed along opposite edges thereof with the marginal portions shaped to provide integral channels opening toward the inner bottom surface of the part and each having an inner flange extending toward and spaced from said inner bottom surface of the part, said channels on one of the parts being of a size to fit snugly and slidably into the channels of the other part, said parts each having flange means at their outer ends, said one of the parts also having an integral flange projecting downwardly at the inner end thereof and extending across said inner end and into the spaces between said channels and said bottom surface of the other of said parts to provide lateral rigidity to the assembled parts, end supports for the shelf having means thereon for releasably receiving the flange means at the outer ends of the parts, an auxiliary transverse support including a member of formed section extending across the inner bottom surface of one of said parts and having means thereon securable to the supporting structure, said transverse support having a surface engaging said inner bottom surface and having integral end portions in angular relationship to said surface thereof and extending into embracing engagement with said channels, and an angle brace having one end connected to an end portion of said member of formed section and extending angularly away from said member, and said angle brace having another end portion disposed for securement to the supporting structure.

3. A shelf structure for mounting on a stippolt strut? ture and comprising, in combination, an extensible shelf fabricated from sheet metal and having telmcopically engaging end parts of substantially predetermined width, said parts having integral marginal reinforcing portions of similar structure extending longitudinally along opposite edges thereof and each including an outer flange, an inner flange and a web adjoining the flanges to form a channel section opening upwardly, said inner flanges having edges spaced from the inner bottom surfaces of the shelf parts, a transverse support for the shelf including a member having a length somewhat less than the predetermined width of the shelf and a formed section of a size to fit between the edges of the inner flanges and the bottom surface of one of the shelf parts, and said member of the transverse support having flanges on its opposite ends spaced from one another to extend into said channel sections and embrace oppositely facing inner surfaces of said inner flanges.

4. A shelf structure as defined 'in claim 3, and further characterized by bracket means secured to the said member of the transverse support near one end thereof for securing the transverse support to the support structure, thereby to hold the shelf structure against the support structure.

5. A shelf structure as defined in claim 3, and wherein the formed section of said member of the transverse support comprises a channel, and wherein both a bracket and a brace are secured to opposite end portions of said member of the transverse support for securing said end portions to the support structure in the general plane of the transverse support.

6. In a sheet metal shelf structure having longitudinally extending marginal reinforcements including integral flanges spaced inwardly of the longitudinal edges of the shelf and extending upwardly with edges spaced from the bottom surface of the shelf, a transverse support for the mid-portion of the shelf and comprising a channel type top cross strip having a web and side walls of a sectional size to fit between said flanges and the bottom surface of the shelf structure and opening upwardly, said cross strip having end portions of the side walls thereof folded against said web and bent downwardly to form end flanges spaced to embrace oppositely facing inner surface of said flanges on the shelf structure, a brace having one end secured'to the web of the cross strip near one end thereof 'and extending downwardly in angular relationship thereto, an anchor bracket secured to the cross strip near the other end thereof, and a support member secured to said one end of the web of the cross strip and extending downwardly therefrom in angular relationship to both the cross strip and the brace and having a hanger pole gripping hook on the lower end thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 585,431 Corscaden June 29, 1897 1,164,439 Winquist Dec. 14, 1915 1,690,910 Shapiro Nov. 6, 1928 2,256,996 Bales Sept. 23, 1941 2,518,328 Ianonis Aug. 8, 1950 2,624,468 McCauley Jan. 6, 1953 2,693,884 Gurries Nov. 9, 1954 2,720,316 Glascott Oct. 11, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 424,420 Italy Aug. 18, 1947 614,891 Great Britain Dec. 23, 1948 

